Gluten-Free Heaven Australia - October 2017

Do you need help with your free-from cooking, or do you have a

nutritional query? Our experts have the answers.

Q

I’ve been advised to incorporate

more wholefoods in my diet –

what does this mean?

A Wholefoods are foods that are as close

to their natural state, which gives us more

nutrients that packaged foods just don’t.

Eating foods that have not been processed

ensures that you consume the right amount of

nutrients in the correct proportions. The key is

to introduce plant-based foods and, instead of

buying cakes or muffins, try making your own

raw treats with plant-based ingredients. LR

Q

I cannot stop eating snacks

while watching netflix – help!

A If you really are into your late-night

snacking, try choosing slightly healthier snacks

such as nuts or crackers and place them on a

small plate so you can see how much you’re

eating. My personal favourite is apple slices

with cashew butter. Just make sure to stay

away from the cookies and the crisps! LR

Q

Is sourdough okay to eat if I’m

gluten free?

A In short, no! Sourdough is often

seen as the healthy option and for many people

this is true; however, this is little to do with

gluten. What makes sourdough a favoured

choice is the fact that it is typically more

easily digested than other breads. During the

fermentation process, enzymes act to break

down phytic acids in the wheat bran before

baking – essentially doing part of the job of

digestion for us and helping to ease digestive

discomfort commonly experienced with regular

wheat-containing breads. If you are gluten free

because you have coeliac disease, sourdough

is a definite no as the gluten will still have the

same blunting effect on your delicate intestinal

lining. If you have an inflammatory condition

like psoriasis or arthritis, then sensitivity to

gluten may contribute to flare-ups. However,

if you suffer with IBS or simply experience

bloating after eating bread, then you should

find that you are better able to tolerate

sourdough. BG

Q

I’m travelling long haul this

summer and am wondering what

snacks to take?

A Most major airports now stock some great

food and snacks covering different dietary

requirements, but it’s always a good idea to

Free-from advice

Ask t he experts